ごめんください

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. ごめんください、田中ですが…。▶ —
   Excuse me, this is Tanaka...
2. ごめんください、誰かいますか。▶ —
   Excuse me, is anyone there?

Collocations

Mnemonic

Gomenkudasai (ごめんください) is the set phrase shouted at the entrance when visiting a Japanese home or office — "please pardon me / excuse me." Etymologically gomen (sorry) + kudasai (polite request) = "please grant me pardon," but functionally "excuse me, is anyone home?" Japanese homes use the genkan (entrance, already covered) and call out, waiting for a response before entering — a koe wo kakeru (call out) custom different from Western doorbell culture. Compare: gomennasai (proper apology, mild), sumimasen (sorry / excuse / thank-you, multi-use), shitsurei shimasu (excuse me, formal — entering rooms, ending phone calls). Business default at client offices: shitsurei shimasu. Korean "sillyaehamnida / joesongan-deyo" parallels.

Quick check

1. Set phrase when entering a client office?

   • Shitsurei shimasu — formal business default
   • Gomenkudasai — for home visits
   • Konnichiwa — general greeting
   • Ohayou gozaimasu — morning